Chapter 63 SIXTY-THREE
Jao went home after Derrick stormed off back to the packhouse. He took his phone out and dialed the number Raven gave him. After a few rings, he answered.
"He received the package," Jao whispered. He has to be as careful as possible.
"Good," Raven said. "Brienne's already out of the country. Is your family ready?" he added. As if on cue, Celine went out from their room, carrying their son.
"Yes, we are ready," he answered. Celine walked toward him, and without hesitation, Jao opened his arms for his wife and son. "Just waiting for the right moment to leave this place," he added.
"Do you know when he's going to attack?" Raven asked. Jao pursed his lips.
"No, he didn't; he ordered me to find more rogues. I'm assuming in two days, Derrick and your pack will clash," Jao said. Derrick liked his plan to be detailed but now that it involved the death of his only son to his enemies, Jao doesn't think he'll sit tight and wait for the right time. Derrick will fight the Wolfgangs' once he finishes recruiting rogues to fight for him.
"Alright, keep us updated," Raven said. "Do not worry; I already have a group of my best team in a town nearby," he added. It was reassuring for Jao, but he still couldn't get rid of the feeling of dread inside of him.
"Thanks, I will," he said and ended the call. Jao deleted the call logs and put his phone back in his pocket. He had memorized Raven's number just in case things went wrong.
"What did he say?" Celine asked while looking at her husband. Jao leaned and took a peck on her lips.
"He said he had his team in a nearby town to help us," Jao said. "So, don't worry anymore. I will keep you guys safe," he added.
"I can't help it," Celine said. The thought of staying another night in the pack scared her. "Every time I close my eyes, I can see them killing us," she added.
"I will be at peace if we get out of this pack soon," Celine muttered. Jao heaved a sigh and pulled his wife and son on the couch.
"I'm doing my best, love," Jao said. "And I have good news for you," he added with a smile. Celine's forehead creased.
"What is it?" she asked. Jao caressed her hand and his son's hair after.
"Jasper's dead. Raven killed him," Jao said. As if those words held magic, Celine burst into tears of relief and joy.
"Really?" she asked, her voice trembling. Looking at Jao, who nodded his head, confirmed it once more. Finally, she won't be able to see that threatening smile anymore. If Derrick was the embodiment of the devil, his son represented the demon, and she was relieved that Raven had managed to eliminate him.
"That's why Derrick's angry," Celine said and kissed her son's head. "Jao, when all of this is done, let's have a date. It's been a long time," she added with a hopeful face. Jao smiled at her.
After they had their son, Jao became busy with his beta task, and going out for a date wasn't even an option for him, but he owes his wife too much. Celine was there when he needed support the most, and he would do everything to make it up to her and repent his sins.
"Of course, love. Whatever you want, we will do it together," Jao said.
Raven put the spare phone back in the drawer and clasped his hands together. By now, Brienne, his sister, and Janice are on an eight-hour airplane flight.
"Status of evacuation?" Raven asked his beta, who has been managing the pack with him with no sleep.
"Almost seventy percent done," Carter said. "And just like what you said, I had Natasha and her family evacuated too," he added.
"That's good, bro," Raven said and dialed a phone number; after three rings, it answered.
"Hello?"
"Johnson," Raven said.
"Man, what is it? Is there something else you need help with? Johnson asked.
"Thank you for giving my pack members a place in your pack," Raven sincerely said. When he called Johnson for help, Johnson didn't hesitate and immediately asked him what he could do for him and the Crescent Stone Pack.
"It's alright, man," Johnson answered. "I know you would do the same for my pack members if the situation were reversed," he added.
"Dmn, right, I will," Raven said, chuckling. "But I need something else," he added.
"Shoot," Johnson replied.
"We're expecting an attack from our enemies two days from now. If you can send some of your warriors to help us, it would be a great help," Raven said, his tone serious and hopeful.
Few of his allied packs sent their warriors too, but Raven wanted more because he didn't know how many rogues they would be facing off against. It's an all-out war where lives are at stake and he does not want to lose.
"I have them; I will send them to you. Those men of mine were itching to fight some rogues," Johnson said.
"Great! Thank you very much, Johnson," Raven replied. "I don't know how to thank you for everything," he added.
"Treating me to beer is fine, man. What are friends for, right?" Johnson said making Raven smile. He was glad he was friends with reliable people who wouldn't hesitate to help.
"Alright, after this, we'll treat you to beer," he said and ended the conversation. "Let's go, Carter," he added and stood up.
Raven went out of the packhouse. It was almost empty. It's not just Johnson's pack that housed his pack members but also some of his allied packs.
"They are in the training area, Alpha," Carter said. Raven nodded, but instead of going to the training area, he went to his car and opened the door.
"Let's go to my parents' house first," he said. Carter hopped in the front seat and Raven drove off. After a few minutes, they arrived at the house. Raven parked and immediately went out while Carter followed him. He opened the double doors and saw his mother knitting something.
"Mom? You weren't with Aunt Leticia?" Raven asked, his forehead creased.
"I will not evacuate," Cecil said and tapped the space beside her. Raven sat on it and looked at her.
"But why? It could be dangerous for you to stay here," Raven said. Cecil stopped knitting and put her calloused hand on her son's hand.
"Everything started with me, and I will see the end of it," she replied. "Your father promised he would stop Derrick, and I would stay by his side," she added. Her eyes were teary. Raven heaved a sigh and embraced his mother.
"We will stop him together. Don't worry," Raven said and caressed her back. Cecil let out a sob.
Cecil was still blaming herself for everything that had happened to the pack and her family, and if staying was something she could do, she would do it, even if it's dangerous.